“I hope they catch the guy. I hope he gets caught so we can go live our normal lives, not be so afraid,” Velez said.

Natalia Mendez came to work at the Olde Heights Bistro, but it was closed because of the police investigation, so she sat outside and painted — and pondered.

“This is the most shocking, out of all,” Mendez said. “I’m not callous about anything else that’s happened. But for things to continue happening regardless of police presence and efforts, this is real shocking.”

Shocking knowing her neighborhood was considered quiet and safe — until now.

“I absolutely trusted at this point no one could be so bold to do anything, actually commit something like murder,” she said.